Join Millions by Wearing Purple on Spirit Day to Stand Against Bullying and Support LGBT Youth

Tell Presidential Candidates to Join Millions by Wearing Purple on Spirit Day to Stand Against Bullying and Support LGBT Youth

Once, when I was in 7th grade, a few guys came up behind me while I was putting my books in my locker. They called me names and asked me why I even bothered to show my face at school because no one wanted to go to school with a lesbian. I tried to ignore them because I was afraid of what else they might say - and who else they might tell - if I stood up to them. When I went to leave, they pushed me against the wall. Then they slammed my locker shut on my hand, breaking my finger. I held back tears while I watched them run away laughing. I didn’t tell anyone because I didn’t know whom I could talk to about being gay.

This was long before the start of Spirit Day, and before it felt like our society really started taking bullying seriously. I, and kids just like me, have spent years of our lives afraid to say anything about bullying, because there was no effort to publicly show support for us. I've been there. I felt like no one cared. I felt alone.

I am asking President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, who is from my home state of Michigan, to wear purple on October 19th for Spirit Day.

Last year on Spirit Day I was so excited to see Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey wear purple on TV, see photos of Times Square lights in purple and feel supported by my friends on Facebook who changed their profile pictures to purple, and of course the students at my school who wore purple in support.

Last year millions of people told LGBT kids they are not alone – just by wearing purple. And who better to send that message than the two candidates trying to be the leader of our country?

If both of these influential men participate by simply wearing purple it will show LGBT teens like me that there are powerful people who care about us. I know what it’s like to feel alone, and seeing two of our country's political leaders show that they care about our lives could make a huge difference to. LGBT students, who are 3-5 times more likely to experience depression and attempt suicide than their counter parts. Barack Obama and Mitt Romney could take a big step towards ending that feeling of isolation.

This action could literally save lives.

Will you sign my petition asking the two Presidential candidates to wear some purple on October 19th?

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) students are 3-5 times more likely to commit suicide than their counter parts. Lack of visible acceptance and support makes us feel alone. But by wearing purple on October 19th, Spirit Day, you could show us that you care. Join millions of Americans including schools, celebrities, landmarks and sports leagues in promoting acceptance and awareness on Spirit Day and you could save lives across the country.